Social buttons

Languages

Irfan Fandi set to make Singapore bow against Afghanistan

Faris Ramli’s injury has opened up an additional spot in the Singapore squad and that will be filled by Irfan Fandi, should he impress in the Under-21s friendly against their Iranians counterparts on Saturday night.

Irfan, the eldest son of Singapore’s favourite footballing son Fandi Ahmad, is in line to make his Lions debut away in Tehran, Iran against Afghanistan in the World Cup / Asian Cup next Tuesday if he catches the eye in the Singapore U21 vs Iran U21 friendly on March 26.

He will fill the spot vacated by Home United team-mate Faris, who has been struggling with a groin problem.

That was revealed by Singapore national team head coach Bernd Stange from the sidelines of his side’s training session at Geylang Field on Monday evening.

“We’ll add Irfan into our team in Tehran,” the 68-year-old told assembled media. “He’ll play the first match with the Under-21s. If he performs well, we will take him and give him exposure with the national team.”

The 18-year-old scored two goals in nine appearances for the Young Lions in the S.League last season, but has yet to open his accounts for Home this term – having made one start and four substitute appearances.

In preparation for the Afghanistan game, the Lions will play a friendly against Myanmar at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday night.

Centre-back Baihakki Khaizan will miss that game through injury, but is expected to recover in time to earn his 123rd international cap against the Afghans.